[NYCC 2014] Black Sails Interviews with Luke Arnold & Jessica Parker Kennedy

This past weekend at New York Comic Con, fans of the Starz original series Black Sails had a chance to see a panel featuring their favorite scoundrels from the explosive first season of the pirate series. The series will return to television on January 24, 2015 and announced at the convention was news that the show has been renewed for a third season.

Black Sails is an ambitious and visually appealing show that showcases the more brutal side of pirate life as opposed to the almost romantic allure we received with such works as Pirates of the Caribbean. We had the chance to sit down with fellow media members, Luke Arnold (John Silver) and Jessica Parker Kennedy (Max) for a roundtable discussion about their characters and some exciting new things we will be seeing in the coming season.

What’s next for your characters?

Luke Arnold at New York Comic Con 2014.
Photography by Marc Daniel Delledonne for Geek Chic Elite

Luke: In season one, Silver is trying to leave the island; always trying to leave the show. He’s breezing in, has no real interest in staying longer than he has to and in season two, it’s all about how this world is slowly drawing him in. He’s working out what this world has to offer him, but also who he can be here that he couldn’t be anywhere else. It’s the beginning of him becoming this pirate that we all know.

Jessica: I think Max has just gone through a horrendous first season; she’s really hurt and she’s past that period now where she was sad and depressed. She finished that at the end of the first season; now she’s skillfully and very carefully creating this puzzle piece to figure out exactly how to screw the right people over, make some money, have some revenge – but mostly just put herself in the best position that she can on the island.

How much knowledge did you have of Treasure Island and your specific characters in the show before you stepped on set?

Jessica: My character is completely fictional and I went to Jon Steinberg [showrunner] and asked about how much backstory they wanted me to do on her [Max] and it was great because we came up with things together like how she ends up on the island. I’ve had an immense amount of freedom and it’s been really easy for me.

Luke: I went to the books straight away and there’s temptation there to jump ahead but he’s not a pirate just yet, he’s an outsider, especially in season one, he’s almost got the same view as the audience. He was being told how the world worked and saw it all unfold. While I had a bit of a backstory at that point, it didn’t matter as much, it was more about what was going to happen when he came in. I think with Silver it was never where he came from so much as where he’s going.

What is your favorite version of Treasure Island?

Luke: For me, it’s Muppets Treasure Island. I love it to death and I think it’s one of the best adaptations in regards to what they cut and what they kept in. Even if it wasn’t the Muppets I think it would still be my favorite version. I love it, and I have to try not to think about it too much.

Jessica: It’s so funny because we get asked that a lot and I’ve heard Luke say the same answer and he’s equally excited every time. “Muppet Treasure Island! And this is why!” It’s just so cute.

Luke: I want to do a get together with some of the other Silvers. Mostly as an excuse to meet Tim Curry.

How will Max and Elanor’s relationship progress going forward?

Jessica: I think it’s so hard in the first place when you get hurt in a relationship and I can’t even imagine because it’s two strong, smart women. It’s strange because everyone feels so bad for Max but what Elanor has done is she’s chosen her career and lifestyle above love and I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. There’s a sense that she’s been villainized when I don’t think that’s very fair. I know through the first season I was like “I hate her” but now I look at it a lot differently. I think Max is struggling with being very hurt but then you have to try and understand why this is happening from the other persons perspective.

Luke: As a viewer, there may be a little enjoyment to see who has the most control on the island in season two, but anyone who is on Max’s side from season one will have a little bit of glee.
 
Black Sails premieres Saturday, January 24th 2015 on Starz. You can also visit the official Black Sails website for all kinds of information about the show, actors and episodes.